A Soft Kindness

Caring For Seniors Comes Naturally To Visiting Nurse

July 08, 1998|By ELIZABETH L.B. TAYLOR; Correspondent

PORTLAND — ``150 over 70,'' Ruth Maio says with a soft smile, pausing pensively before saying she thinks it might be best to take a blood pressure reading on the other arm, just to be safe. ``140 over 66,'' Maio concludes, assuring her client that this time, the readings are quite normal.

And Maio would know. She is approaching the beginning of her 27th year working as a registered nurse with the Portland Visiting Nurses Association, nearly half her 63 years, which she has spent tending to those in need within her community.

On a recent morning, Maio was set up in the main room of the senior center doing her weekly blood pressure screenings. But, as always, Maio does just that little bit more for her clients.

Lillian Mallez, a local senior, sits down for her screening on a recent morning, and she and Maio break into discussion about a brown mark on Mallez's nose, which seems as though it might require a closer look. Maio quietly listens to Mallez's concerns and discusses possible options for further medical attention.

``I just love what I do,'' said Maio. ``It's the people contact I've always enjoyed the most.''

So it continues, for each senior who comes in for his or her screening. Maio takes a blood pressure reading and goes on to discuss any number of additional issues facing her clients. She answers questions ranging from care for an elderly parent, to poison ivy concerns, to medication issues.

``I enjoy supporting these people,'' Maio said. ``I listen to them and become a friend.''

Her mind seems always in high gear, with continual thoughts about how better to serve the elderly and the needy in town.

Although she switched to a part-time schedule as of May, she is still initiating new programs, while maintaining active client contact.

She has started a new foot care program for clients at the senior center and at the Quarry Heights Housing Complex. She has also re-instated a program dormant for over 10 years, the Friendly Volunteers Program, in which volunteers make weekly visits to homebound residents. She also works with the Salvation Army, getting local kids into the Salvation Army's free summer camp program.

``Everyone feels comfortable with her,'' said Carol Revicki, assistant director of the senior center. ``She has that soft kindness about her and she always has a smile on her face.''

With deep roots into the community, Maio has also become the resource for those in need.

She routinely turns to her many sources in town to find clothes for families with small babies who need assistance or those down on their luck during the holiday season who need help buying toys and holiday dinners.

``Ruth is really a wonderful person,'' said Linda Worden, executive director of the Portland VNA. ``She has an innate ability to reach out to folks, always taking the time to solve their problems.''

Maio's call to the nursing profession started early. A native of Wyoming, she went to nursing school in Utah right out of college. Following nursing school, she and her husband were transferred to Connecticut, residing in Portland since 1957.

The mother of two daughters -- one of whom has also become a nurse -- Maio stayed home during her children's younger years, becoming a teacher's aid at the Valley View Elementary School in 1972.

After four years there, the school nurse, Nancy Lawton, encouraged Maio to take a nursing job at the VNA. Maio went on to spend 26 years, working full time as a primary care nurse for the VNA, visiting her clients daily, weekly, or biweekly, whatever their care required.

``She was of such help to me when I was sick,'' said Kay Sharr, who Maio nursed back to health last year after Sharr's quintuple bi-pass heart surgery. ``She is so compassionate, understanding and thorough.''

Looking ahead, Maio plans to start a workshop for grandparents who have become the primary caregivers for their grandchildren. Maio notes that seniors who have become responsible for their grandkids often face many financial and lifestyle stresses that a workshop environment could help alleviate.

``She's a great person,'' said Nunzi Maio, who this week, celebrates 42 years of marriage to Ruth. ``I have never seen anyone so dedicated to their career, she's great.''

With appellations ranging from a fairy godmother to a saint, Maio remains quite modest about her career.

``This has all been such a big part of my life,'' she said. ``It is so rewarding and I intend to continue doing it for quite awhile.''